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Sometimes, all you want to do is fly in, transfer to your ship,
and settle into your cruise. But that way you can end up missing
the very best port on your itinerary, and Venice is one of those
places where it's always worth spending a little more time at the
beginning or end of your cruise.

Accommodation

Although some people love the Cipriani for its beautiful views
of Venice across the Giudecca Canal, and others rave about the
Danieli for its fantastic location right on the Grand Canal, to my
mind you might as well go for a cheaper option, given that you will
be out and about all the time. My latest preferred choices are the
Metropole, on the Riva degli Schiavoni, and the Ai Reali, which I
particularly like for its little secluded garden.

Getting to your hotel from the airport by water taxi is like a
private excursion in itself, so although it's expensive, you should
definitely do it, if only once. The alternatives (waterbus, taxi to
the station then onwards by foot) are not straightforward,
particularly if you have plenty of luggage with you.

Sightseeing

If you've never been to Venice, the sightseeing options are
somewhat overwhelming, with churches, palaces, museums and
galleries at every turn. On the basis that you can never see it
all, I would recommend choosing a couple of highlights for each
visit, and spending the rest of the time walking - a diversion of
two minutes will take you off the main drag and away from the
crowds, exploring tiny alleys, stumbling upon walled gardens or
finding a quiet table next to a canal to enjoy a coffee and watch
the world go by.

Our 'one highlight per visit' strategy meant that despite
numerous stays in the city we had never seen St Mark's, deterred by
the long queues. The queue is jumped easily enough (call us to find
out how) but I thoroughly recommend taking a private guide to
enable you to get the most of this extraordinary cathedral.

When you are walking, don't miss the amazing market (turn right
after crossing the Rialto Bridge), gondola museum and the
Ghetto.

You might think a gondola ride is 'just for the tourists', but
do it if you can, if only to admire the extraordinary skill of the
gondoliers as they manoeuvre their heavy craft around the narrow
waterways. Your perspective on the city is very different from
water level, and on a quiet backwater you will be cast back to
another age.

Beyond Venice

If you are staying for a few days, take time to travel outside
Venice: take the vaporetto to the magical cemetery island of San
Michele, travel on to Murano with its glass workshops, and on to
Burano to admire the pretty pastel houses.

Or take a train to Padua, just 25 minutes away - pre-book your
visit to the Scrovegni chapel where the Giotto frescoes will blow
you away.

Music, Art and Food

Other key things to think about in advance: music, art, and
food. Maybe a little opera at the newly re-opened Fenice, or a
Monteverdi two choir mass? You need to plan ahead and book tickets.
Venice is a great centre for art, so check what exhibitions are on
so you can include them in your schedule. And don't leave it until
the day itself to book a table in that restaurant someone
recommended - good quality Venice restaurants are very busy.

Whatever you're thinking of doing, speak to us and we can assist
you with all your plans.